CCMA Infection Control and Sterilization 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A medical assistant is caring for a patient with suspected norovirus gastroenteritis. Which hand hygiene method is most effective against norovirus?
- Alcohol-based hand rub (60% ethanol)
- Soap and water for at least 20 seconds (Correct answer)
- Antiseptic wipes with quaternary ammonium
- Chlorhexidine gluconate scrub
Correct answer: Soap and water for at least 20 seconds
Norovirus is a non-enveloped virus resistant to alcohol-based hand rubs; soap and water is the preferred method as it mechanically removes the virus.
Question 2: Which of the following is the correct term for the process that eliminates all microorganisms except high-level bacterial spores?
- Sterilization
- Sanitation
- High-level disinfection (Correct answer)
- Intermediate-level disinfection
Correct answer: High-level disinfection
High-level disinfection destroys all microorganisms except large numbers of bacterial spores and is used for semi-critical items like endoscopes.
Question 3: During venipuncture, the medical assistant sustains a needlestick injury. What is the first immediate action?
- Report the incident to the supervisor
- Apply pressure and cover the wound with a bandage
- Wash the site thoroughly with soap and water (Correct answer)
- Complete an incident report form
Correct answer: Wash the site thoroughly with soap and water
The immediate first step after a needlestick is to wash the wound site thoroughly with soap and water to reduce the risk of bloodborne pathogen transmission.
Question 4: Which personal protective equipment (PPE) is appropriate when handling a specimen container with visible blood on the outside?
- Gloves only
- Gloves and a face mask
- Gloves, gown, and face shield (Correct answer)
- No PPE is needed if the lid is secure
Correct answer: Gloves, gown, and face shield
Visible contamination on the outside of a specimen container poses a splash and contact risk, requiring gloves, gown, and face shield at minimum.
Question 5: Which sterilization method is most appropriate for heat-sensitive flexible endoscopes?
- Steam autoclave at 134°C
- Dry heat oven at 170°C
- Ethylene oxide (EtO) gas sterilization (Correct answer)
- Flash sterilization (IUSS)
Correct answer: Ethylene oxide (EtO) gas sterilization
Ethylene oxide gas sterilization operates at low temperatures, making it suitable for heat-sensitive and moisture-sensitive equipment like flexible endoscopes.
Question 6: A healthcare worker is about to enter the room of a patient on contact precautions for MRSA. What PPE must be donned before entering?
- Gloves only
- Gloves and N95 respirator
- Gloves and gown (Correct answer)
- Gown, gloves, and face shield
Correct answer: Gloves and gown
Contact precautions require gloves and a gown upon entry to prevent transmission via direct contact with the patient or contaminated surfaces.
Question 7: Which organization sets the federal standards for bloodborne pathogen exposure control plans in the workplace?
- CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
- OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) (Correct answer)
- Joint Commission (TJC)
- AAMA (American Association of Medical Assistants)
Correct answer: OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration)
OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030) mandates that employers create and implement exposure control plans to protect healthcare workers.
CCMA Infection Control and Sterilization 5
A medical assistant is caring for a patient with suspected norovirus gastroenteritis.
Which hand hygiene method is most effective against norovirus?